travel driver's license ky

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How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you have not upgraded your driver’s license or state-issued ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it to:

• Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Access federal government facilities or military installations
• Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions.

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.

Do you need a REAL ID to fly?

If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly . 

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You will still be able to get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. But you will not be able to use it for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: May 23, 2024

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Kentucky’s Real IDs: What You Need to Know

Update on kentucky’s real id.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, air travelers in Kentucky were given another year to acquire a REAL ID. Beginning October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID license to board domestic flights in the U.S., unless they have a valid passport or military I.D. Applicants requesting a REAL ID must present documentation verifying their identity, social security number, and residency. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.

Background About the Real ID in Kentucky

Congress adopted the federal 2005 Real ID Act as an enhanced security measure in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Real ID Act requires states to adopt additional security safeguards for state IDs before they will be accepted by federal agencies.

Matt Henderson, Kentucky Department of Vehicle Registration commissioner, explained, ‘The driving force behind Kentucky’s ‘ new, upgraded licenses, permits and IDs is security.’ The program known as Confident Kentucky will strengthen the security of current Kentucky licenses including driver’s licenses, personal ID cards, and driver’s permits, to help prevent fraud, and to make IDs more difficult to forge.

When Can I Apply for Kentucky’s Real ID?

The general public began applying for the new IDs in January 2019. Due to the shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there will likely be delays in the application, production, and enforcement processes. To find the latest information about this evolving situation, it is recommended you visit drive.ky.gov , an official government-run website for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

What’s Different About The New Real IDs?

All new licenses and IDs will have a special mark showing they are compliant with the new federal law. The new licenses and IDs will also have special Kentucky symbols including the state flower, the state seal, and the Kentucky Capitol building. The new IDs will feature black and white, rather than color, portraits.

Which Real ID Do I Need?

Kentuckians must choose between two types of IDs: the standard license (driver’s license, driver’s permit, or personal ID card) or the voluntary travel ID . The voluntary travel ID allows Kentuckians to drive a vehicle, fly domestically, and enter nuclear power plants and military bases. The standard license is an upgrade of the current driver’s license, and grants driving privileges. You will not be able to board a plane for a domestic flight with only a standard license.

Kentucky officials recommend you choose the new travel ID if you travel a lot, and don’t want to carry your passport for both domestic and international travel. If you only need a license for general identification purposes, and to drive, apply for the standard driver’s license.

What About Children Who Travel by Airplane?

Children under 18 years of age do not need their own travel ID so long as they are traveling with an adult who has the proper travel ID.

Where Do I Apply for The New ID?

You can apply for your new license beginning January 2019 at your county circuit court clerk’s office where you normally go to renew your driver’s license. When you apply, you will be given a temporary ID and will receive your new one in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Real ID?

For standard licenses, you will need one proof of residency in Kentucky, one proof of identity, and one proof of Social Security number. The travel ID requires two documents proving Kentucky residency, one proof of identity, and one proof of Social Security number.

Examples of acceptable documents include an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a passport to prove your identity, while a Social Security card or a W2 can prove your Social Security number. A utility bill from your home, a tax return, or a signed lease or deed can prove residency.

For a complete list of appropriate documents to satisfy the proof requirements, follow this link: https://drive.ky.gov/Docs/AcceptableDocumentsVTID.pdf

How Long is the Real ID Valid?

Initially, you can choose between a 4-year and an 8-year ID. Beginning in 2023, all new IDs will be valid for 8 years.

How Much Do Kentucky’s Real IDs Cost?

The cost will depend upon whether you choose a 4-year or an 8-year ID, and depend upon which ID you choose. The prices listed below are for 8-year IDs:

• Standard driver’s license: $43.00
• Standard motorcycle license: $43.00
• Standard personal ID card: $23.00
• Voluntary Travel ID driver’s license: $48.00
• Voluntary Travel ID motorcycle license: $48.00
• Voluntary Travel ID personal ID: $28.00
• 4-year licenses and travel IDs will cost half as much.
• Beginning in 2023, only 8-year IDs will be available.

TLDR: Kentucky’s Real IDs

From now until October 1, 2021, the new standard driver’s license, or your old unexpired Kentucky driver’s license, will allow you to travel on domestic flights. After October 1, 2021 , you will need either the new travel ID, or you must carry your passport, to travel domestically.

Initially, it was announced that starting in January 2019, Kentucky would finally be compliant with the federal 2005 REAL ID Act mandating additional security requirements for state-issued IDs. However, this was changed drastically by the impact of COVID-19 on government offices and changes in scheduling. Specifically, most or all (in some cases) of the buildings responsible for producing the Real IDs were closed or operating under restricted hours and visitation rules for the general public.

For additional information visit drive.ky.gov.

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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly.

The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.

TSA recommends individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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Meet your new ID. The one that's ready to fly.

Be your REAL ID self by May 7, 2025.

Countdown to REAL ID Enforcement

Are you real id ready.

On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Find out if you’re REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!

• Are you planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility after May 7, 2025?
• Does your Drivers License / ID have a star (and/or flag) or say "Enhanced"?

You're REAL ID ready! You will need this ID to board domestic flights and may need this or another acceptable form of identification to visit federal facilities.

• Do you have a passport?

A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.

• Click here to see if you have one of these acceptable forms of identification that may also be used to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities (link will open in a new window). Do you have one of these?
• These alternate forms of identification may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID at the airport to board domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities.

You're not REAL ID ready! Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025 you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.

You might not need a REAL ID. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.

Map out your path to REAL ID readiness by May 7, 2025.

Click on your home state or territory to make a plan with your local DMV to be REAL ID ready.

Map Image Here

Select a state or territory:  -- Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Deadline: May 7, 2025

How to Get a Driver’s License in Kentucky [2024]

Time is of the essence?

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How Does It Work?

Get a learner's permit, get an intermediate license, get a full (adult) license, types of driver's licenses in kentucky.

Pro tip: Venturing through Kentucky's bluegrass regions and metropolitan areas calls for sharp driving acumen. Our step-by-step guides for manual driving and parallel parking will serve you well. Master the techniques for parking in reverse and three-point turns . It's essential to have your mirrors positioned correctly for visibility. Our Online Driving Simulator offers excellent practice, and for international drivers, make sure to understand Kentucky's international driver's license rules.

How to Apply for Your Class D Driver’s License

How to apply for your learner's permit, 1 apply in person, 2 bring documentation required.

• Social Security card
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate
• Proof of residence (e.g., a utility bill, mortgage documents, postmarked letter with your name and current address, etc.)
• Permanent Resident card or I-551 with photo issued by USCIS. (for non-citizens)

No copies or laminated documents are acceptable.

If you are a non-US citizen, check here for other documents you are required to bring depending upon your status in the US.

3 Come with your parent or guardian if under age 18

4 provide no pass/no drive form if under age 18, 5 pay the permit fee of $12, 6 get tested by the kentucky state police license examiner, 7 pass a written test, 8 pass a vision test, 8 return to the circuit court clerk’s office.

You will be issued a permit or a distinctive "under 21" permit if you are younger than 21.

Applicants under the age of 21 must hold the driving permit for a minimum of 180 days.

Applicants older than 21 must hold the permit for at least 30 days.

If you are under 18 years of age , your next step is applying for the intermediate driver's license .

If you are over 18 years of age , your next step is applying for the full driver's license .

Supercharge your chances of passing the DMV test

How to apply for intermediate driver’s license.

Carry your learner’s permit for at least 180 days

Everybody under the age of 21 must hold the permit for 180 days before proceeding.

Complete a Practice driving log

You parents/guardians should log at least 60 hours of practice driving, 10 hours of which must be completed at night. Your parent is also required to sign a verification form.

Print your eligibility letter

Check your eligibility here , print the letter and take it to your Kentucky State Police License Examiner.

Take a driving skills test

Testing times and locations are available from the Circuit Clerk’s Office in your county of residence. Call your office to find out if an appointment is necessary. You are required to bring your own vehicle. If you fail the test you will have to wait at least 7 days before retaking it.

When you pass the driving skills test, the examiner will place an "Intermediate License" sticker on your permit. After holding the intermediate license for 180 days or once you turn 18, you will be eligible for a full license, provided that the required driver education course has been completed.

How to Apply for Your Full (Unrestricted) Driver’s License

Before you apply for your Kentucky full driver's license. You are required to get a driver's permit. Check this guide to get a driver's permit in Kentucky.

Intermediate license holder under 18 years of age ? Hold your license for 180 days, complete a driver education course , print your eligibility letter and visit the Circuit Clerk's Office in your county of residence.

Permit holder? Start from Step 1.

1 Hold the driver’s permit

2 complete driver education program if under 18.

If your permit was issued under the age of 18, you are required to complete a Driver Education program. The course offered by the Transportation Cabinet is a free, 4-hour course on driver safety. Other possible methods of completing the course are an online course or an approved private school . If you have already completed a high school driver's education course or Driver License approved driver training school course, provide a copy of the completion to:

ATTN: Driver Education Division of Driver Licensing 200 Mero St Frankfort, KY 40622 OR fax to (502) 564-0839

Make sure that your driver license number, name and date of birth are on the completion.

3 Print eligibility letter

4 check driving test availability, 5 pass the road test.

You must bring a vehicle with proper registration and insurance confirmation. If you pass the test, the examiner will record your result and send you to the Circuit Clerk’ Office. If you fail the road skills test, you will have to wait at least 7 days before trying it again.

6 Get your license

Kentucky written test (aka knowledge test), pass your dmv test the first time with driving-tests premium, driving test.

The exam will check your ability to drive safely in traffic, encountering normal situations.

Most counties require appointments for road tests. Check with your local Examiner or Circuit Court Clerk regarding the schedule and appointment system in your county.

You must be accompanied by a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age who won’t be permitted to ride with you during the test but will wait to ride with you home if you fail the test.

The vehicle you bring to the test must have the following:

• Be properly registered
• Have proof of liability insurance which can be a proof-of-insurance card, a current insurance policy or a binder from an insurance agent stating that insurance is in force.
• Rental cars must have the driver’s name listed on the rental contract as an operator.

The following equipment must be in good condition:

• Properly displayed and unobscured license plate
• Windshield wiper on the driver’s side
• Rearview mirror
• Steering gear ( not more than 1/4 turn free play)
• Safety glass on all windows
• Safety belts
• Vehicles with a louvered rear window must have side view mirrors
• Passenger compartment, seat, and floor area must be clean

Avoid the following:

• Red and blue light showing to the front
• Sirens and bells
• Signs, posters, or stickers on the windshield or any other window in the car, unless required by law
• Heavy-tinted windows

You must demonstrate to the examiner that you know how to operate the following:

• Dimmer Switch.
• Windshield Wipers.
• Turn Signals.
• Emergency Brake.
• Emergency Flashers.
• Brake Lights.

Your job is to follow the examiners instructions, drive safely and demonstrate overall vehicle control. The following maneuvers will be evaluated during the test:

• turning the car around
• stopping and starting on a hill
• parallel parking
• choosing appropriate speed
• approaching intersections
• correct lane usage
• giving and accepting right-of-way

You will be disqualified automatically if you

• fail to follow your examiner’s instructions twice
• commit traffic violation or be part of collision or dangerous act.

New Residents: How to Get the Kentucky Driver's License

Good news! If either of the following applies to you, you do not require to transfer your driver’s license.

• You are a member of the military on active duty or a dependent of a military member who holds a valid license from another state.
• You are a full-time student enrolled in school or college with a valid license from another state.

I’ve Got a Valid Out-of-State License

If you become a resident of Kentucky, you must transfer your out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residence.

You must transfer your license in person in the Circuit Clerk’s Office of your county of residence. Note that all non-U.S. citizens (excluding permanent residents and resident aliens) must apply at a Division of Driver Licensing Regional Field Office .

• Apply in person.
• Submit your valid out-of-state driver’s license.
• If under age 18, present a School Compliance Verification Form signed by the out-of-state school ( No Pass/No Drive Law ). You can get the form from your school district of residence.
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate (if your name here differs from the name on your license, you may be asked to show a marriage certificate or another document certifying your name change)
• Proof of residence (e.g., a utility bill, mortgage documents, postmarked letter with driver's name and current address, etc.)
• Pay the fee of $20.00.

Note that if you are a non-U.S. citizen with an out-of-state driver’s license, you will have to take vision, written and road skills tests in Kentucky (It doesn’t apply to permanent residents and resident aliens, though).

Once you have met all the requirements, the Circuit Clerk’s office will issue you a license. Your new Kentucky driver’s license will be valid for 4 years. Starting from 2019 new REAL ID cards will be valid for 8 years.

I've Got a Valid Foreign License

If you are a non U.S. citizen, you may drive in Kentucky on your valid foreign license and International Permit for up to one year from the date of admission into the U.S. if your home country is part of the Foreign License Reciprocity . Drivers from non-Foreign License Reciprocity Countries or US citizens must obtain a Kentucky license within 30 days of establishing residency in Kentucky.

To transfer a foreign driver’s license, non U.S. citizens (excluding permanent residents and resident aliens) must first apply at a Division of Driver Licensing Regional Field Office . Permanent residents and resident aliens may apply directly at the Circuit Clerk’s Office of their county of residence.

• Bring proof of Kentucky residence (e.g., a utility bill, mortgage documents, postmarked letter with driver’s name and current address, etc.)

Provide the following documentation if issued to you:

• Your foreign passport
• Permanent Resident card or I-551 with photo issued by USCIS.

Check here for other documents you are required to bring depending upon your status in the US. No copies or laminated documents are acceptable.

• Pass the vision exam. Minimum visual acuity of 20/40 is required, otherwise, you will be referred to a vision specialist.
• Pass a written exam.The test will contain questions about rules of the road, signs and procedures. Take free practice tests online before you go. If you fail your test you may return the next day or later.
• Pass a driving skills test (not required for permanent residents).

The Circuit Clerk’s Office will issue a license for you, which will be valid for 4 years or till your legal stay in the U.S. ends. After 2019 Real ID licenses will be valid for 8 years.

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How to Renew Your Drivers License in Kentucky

You must complete a Kentucky drivers license renewal if your license is set to expire soon, or if it has already expired. You must have a valid non-expired drivers license in order to legally drive in the state of Kentucky, so processing your renewal when it is required is very important. Also, keep in mind that if your license has been lost, stolen or damaged you must a duplicate driver license instead of processing a renewal.

According to the Kentucky DMV, an operator’s license is valid for a total of four years. If you are 21 years of age or older, your license expires 31 days after your birth date. If you are younger than 21 years of age, your license expires 90 days after your 21 st birthday. Before you begin the renewal process, it is important to understand what you need to renew a drivers license so that you can be adequately prepared. Understanding that information ahead of time can also save you a lot of time and reduce any stress. Discover how to renew your drivers license by reading the sections below.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Kentucky

Note: Your license’s expiration date is printed on its front side near your photograph. If you do not know how to renew drivers license, you can contact the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk in your area directly.

In order to be able to complete a DMV license renewal, you must first be eligible. These drivers license renewal requirements include that you must have a valid (not suspended) drivers license that was issued by the state of Kentucky, and you must be within the appropriate time period for renewing your license.

You must also complete any additional vision and written examinations, if necessary.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Kentucky

There are certain instances where you cannot complete a drivers license renewal in the state of Kentucky. This is the case if any of the following are true:

• It is earlier than six months prior to your license expiration date.
• It is later than one year after your expiration date. At this point, you must complete both a written and vision test.
• If your license is suspended . A renewal can only be processed once your driving license is no longer suspended or revoked.
• If your license has been damaged, lost or stolen. In this situation you must complete a driver license replacement.

How Early Can You Renew Your Drivers License in Kentucky?

To answer the question, “How early can you renew your drivers license?” the answer is that you can complete a renewal as early as six months prior to your license expiration date. The expiration date for your license, if you are 21 years of age or older, is 31 days after your birth date. If you are younger than 21 years of age, it is 90 days after your 21 st birthday.

If you are wondering, “How late can I renew my license?” the answer is that you can complete a renewal after your license has expired. However, if your license is expired for more than one year, you must complete both a written and vision test. Also, driving with an expired drivers license may result in serious consequences from law enforcement .

Kentucky DMV License Renewal Options

If you are wondering “Where can I renew my drivers license?” The answer is that your only option is to renew in-person at a Circuit Court Clerk’s office. You cannot renew a drivers license online in the state of Kentucky. However, as per Kentucky Law, military personnel can process a renewal through the mail. All other drivers must use the in-person option.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

If you are questioning where to renew a drivers license if you are a Kentucky resident, the answer is quite simple: in-person at a Circuit Court Clerk’s office. It is advised that you call the location you wish to visit ahead of time to schedule an appointment, if possible.

To complete your license renewal, you must follow a procedure. The steps you must follow to complete an in-person renewal involves the following:

• Visit your local Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
• Provide your expiring drivers license.
• Pay the KY driving license renewal fee.

Once you have provided all necessary information and paid the renewal fee, you will be issued a new non-expired license. This license will expire in approximately four years, 31 days after your birth date.

Military & Out of State Renewal in Kentucky

Kentucky residents who are currently serving in the United States military and are currently deployed or stationed at a base outside of the boundaries of the Commonwealth may renew a Class D operators license by mail. To do so, contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the Kentucky county of residence for an drivers license renewal form application and instructions.

Kentucky residents who have been serving in the United States military who have allowed their Class D operators license to expire are granted 90 days upon returning to the Commonwealth to renew their license without needing to take additional testing. If the renewal does not happen within 90 days from returning to the Commonwealth, additional procedures and testing may be required for renewing that expired license.

Kentucky Drivers License Renewal Fees

It is important that you know how much to renew a drivers license in Kentucky so that you are aware of what the driving license renewal fee is beforehand. In the state of Kentucky, the renewal fee for a regular Class D operator license is $20.00.

Acceptable payment methods may vary from location to location, so it is advised that you call ahead of time to inquire about which payment methods are accepted.

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